Salmon is one of the most nutrient-dense proteins you can add to your weekly meals, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
But the best part? It doesn’t take much effort to transform it into a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
This Honey Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is quick, flavorful, and cooked entirely in one pan for minimal cleanup.
With a sweet and savory sauce made from simple pantry ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
In under 30 minutes, you’ll have tender, flaky salmon coated in a rich glaze that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Salmon
- A one-pan recipe means less time doing dishes.
- Balanced flavors of honey, garlic, butter, and lemon.
- Quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining.
- Customizable with spice, herbs, or different side dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this one-pan honey garlic butter salmon, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:
- Salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, skin-on recommended for texture)
- Honey for natural sweetness and caramelization
- Garlic to add bold, savory flavor
- Butter for richness and a silky sauce
- Soy sauce or tamari for a savory balance
- Lemon juice to brighten up the dish
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions (One-Pan Method)
- Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. - Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice until smooth. - Sear the salmon
Place salmon fillets skin side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 2–3 minutes until the skin is crisp. - Add the sauce
Pour the honey garlic butter sauce over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well coated. - Bake or finish on the stovetop
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or continue cooking on the stovetop until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. - Garnish and serve
Spoon the caramelized sauce over the salmon and finish with fresh herbs.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Salmon
- Check the temperature: Cook salmon until it reaches 125°F–130°F for moist, flaky fillets.
- Don’t overcook: Salmon can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Add spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat to balance the sweetness.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Butter Salmon
This salmon pairs well with a variety of sides. Try:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
- A fresh salad with a light citrus vinaigrette
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out.
- Flake leftover salmon into salads, wraps, or grain bowls for an easy lunch.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, pat very dry, then proceed. Avoid cooking from frozen for this recipe (sauce won’t caramelize properly).
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. Make the sauce up to 48–72 hours ahead and store in the fridge. Rewarm gently and add to the pan when cooking; if butter has solidified, melt again first.
How can I get extra-crispy skin?
Pat skin completely dry, use a hot pan and a little oil, press fillets when you first add them, and don’t move them during the 2–3 minute sear.
25-Minute One-Pan Honey Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- 24 oz (680 g) salmon fillets 4 fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on recommended
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing – optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce (or tamari), and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the pan: Place a large oven-safe skillet (cast-iron or stainless steel works well) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat.
- Sear the salmon: When the pan is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula for 10–15 seconds to ensure full contact and a crisp sear. Sear skin-side down, undisturbed, for 2–3 minutes until the skin is crispy and the edges begin to turn opaque.
- Add the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Carefully pour the honey-garlic butter sauce over and around the fillets, spooning a little over the tops.
- Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake 10–12 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F–130°F (52°C–54°C) for moist, slightly medium doneness. If you prefer, continue cooking to 135°F (57°C) for medium. (If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the flesh flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist.)
- Optional caramelize: For extra glaze color, broil on high for 30–60 seconds at the end – watch closely to avoid burning the honey.
- Rest & finish: Remove skillet from oven and let salmon rest 2–3 minutes. Spoon any pan sauce over the fillets, sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Serve with lemon wedges.
- Stovetop-only option: After searing, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook 6-8 minutes until done (good for thinner fillets).